Political party and independent candidates contesting the 2024 national and local elections have signed the Electoral Commission's Code of Conduct, pledging to abide by a set of rules to ensure free and fair elections.
A general election will be held on May 29th to elect a new National Assembly and each state's parliament.
This will be the seventh general election held under a democratic system since the end of the apartheid era in 1994.
A total of 325 political parties will participate in this year's elections.
In his keynote speech at the signing ceremony in Midrand on Thursday, Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairman Mosotho Mopiya said violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct cast doubt on the legitimacy of election results and could lead to disputes and legal issues. He said it could lead to an appeal.
“By adhering to norms, political parties help ensure that election results are accepted as legitimate by all stakeholders, thereby contributing to political stability and social cohesion,” said Moepya. .
Click here for the Election Code of Conduct.
Mopiya said freedom comes with great responsibility. The constitution provides freedom for political parties, independent candidates, and the public to participate in elections for public office.
“Today’s signing ceremony marks an extraordinary milestone in the sense that the nation will witness the leaders of political parties represented by the National Party Liaison Committee publicly pledging to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct for the upcoming elections. has important meaning.
“This Code provides a framework for conduct consistent with the vision of our democratic forebears who envisioned themselves and all their members and societies at peace. “This is a legal means to achieve free and fair elections that requires deep political leadership.” The same goes for dedication.
“As leaders, we have a responsibility to lead the nation to a vision of peace and tranquility,” Mopiya said.
rules and regulations
Mr Mopiya said that in addition to adhering to the Code, political parties, independent candidates and the public alike must actively promote awareness of the Code's purpose and support efforts to educate voters. .
Mr Mopiya said certain acts such as inciting violence, intimidation, spreading false information and abusing positions of power are strictly prohibited and require swift accountability measures.
Mr Mopiya said adhering to the provisions of the electoral code of conduct strengthens democratic values such as tolerance, respect for diversity and peaceful resolution of disputes.
“These values are essential for a healthy democracy to function and foster trust between the people and their elected representatives.
“We know that political violence and intimidation can undermine the integrity of electoral processes and prevent people from exercising their right to vote. We will prevent such incidents and contribute to a peaceful election environment.”
“The electoral code of conduct also aims to ensure that all political parties and candidates have an equal opportunity to campaign and get their message across to voters,” Mopiya said.
30 years of democracy
Sai Mamabolo, Chief Electoral Officer at the Electoral Commission, said as the country commemorates 30 years of democracy, it was vital to reflect on one of its enduring successes.
“Today, we stand before South Africa and its people to confirm our readiness to hold elections in accordance with constitutional standards and international norms.
“We express our readiness for this, living in the enormity of the challenge before us. We are ready and eager to ensure that we will not let our homeland down. .Otherwise history will have a damaging account of our responsibility for this mission,'' he said.
Most political parties expressed their pleasure in participating in the signing ceremony.
Sizwe Umma Nation (SUN) party president Mondli Thulani Nkaiyane praised the signing ceremony.
“The Electoral Commission has done a great job, inter alia, in setting a code of conduct that requires political parties to condemn violence during elections.
“As a political party, we support this initiative and hope that it will ensure peaceful elections in our country,” Nkaiyane said.
Inayet Hussein Hassen of the Alliance for Change movement echoed similar sentiments, praising the good work done by the IEC to ensure peaceful elections.
“I know it won't be easy for voters because the ballots will be large, but I hope everything will be under control.
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“The IEC has a good track record in conducting elections. We are confident that all other political parties will abide by the code of conduct,” Hassen said.
party list
Last month, the commission published a list of names of independent and political party candidates for viewing at the national office and all nine state and local government offices.
Political parties intending to participate in the elections are required to amend their list and inform the committee whether they have nominated a candidate who is also on the list of another political party or who has been nominated as an independent candidate. I was given an opportunity to give notice.
A total of 42 candidates were on multi-party lists, with 39 political parties involved. In addition, one candidate was nominated as an independent candidate and was also included on the list of political parties.
The final list of candidates participating in the elections will be published by the Commission on April 10, 2024.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in February that South Africa would go to the polls in general and local elections on 29 May 2024.
